Wednesday, August 29, 2012
A Rhetorical Explosion!
In Langston Hughes' Dream Deferred, Hughe's uses rhetorical questions all throughout the work. Initially, he asks the reader, "What happens to a dream deferred?" (Hughes). Hughes offers his own response to this question in the form of other rhetorical questions. All of these rhetorical questions offer imagery to the poem as well. Together, the rhetorical questions and imagery help develop both mentally and visually the answer to the initial question posed. However, no answer he offers is positive. Thus, this the reader to believe that a "dream deferred" can bring no good. Ultimately, he suggests that a "dream deferred" will "explode" (Hughes). Although he does not identify what this explosion is, the reader can assume that it is representing an ultimate negative outcome. As I read the poem, I envisioned the explosion as a fire and a final destruction of my dreams, left with only useless ashes.
Conquering Amiguity
In M. Carl Holman's Mr. Z, the initial situation of the main character is rather ambiguous. The poem jumps directly into a description of the life of Mr. Z at a young age. The inattentive may easily skip over important revealing details within the diction of the poem. However, have no fear! Ambiguity of characterization is no match for the analytical reader! In the first line alone Holman drops hints that the source of Mr. Z's life struggles are the result of his race. Holman states, "Taught early that his mother's skin was the sign of error" (Holman). Moreover, as the poem continues, more clues are left. Holman alludes to "jazz" and "spirituals", both activities characteristic of the African American race. As the poem continues, however, Holman becomes more direct with phrases such as, "Whatever ground was Anglo-Saxonized" (Holman) and "race" (Holman). Once the reader understands the situation of Mr. Z, he can then proceed in his analysis of the rest of the poem. Now that I reread this blog post and the poem itself, however, I realize that the race issue really was not all that ambiguous...but I will admit, I was confused.
Change in Character
At the begining of Jhumpa Lahiri's "Interpreter of the Maladies, I did not really care for Mrs. Das. She seemed selfish, superficial, and disinterested in anyone but herself. During the car ride to the Sun Temple, Mrs. Das decides to paint her finger nails instead of embracing the culture around her. When her daughter asks if she will paint her nails as well she responds "Leave me alone. You're making me mess up"(Lahiri). Her attitude seems selfish and snobbish, as though she cares for no one but hereself, not even her own daughter. However, later in the novel I started to see Mrs. Das is a more vulnerable light. When she reveals to Mr. Kapasi that she had an affair and that Bobby was not Raj's child, I felt a little bit of sympathy for her. Although what she did was wrong, she still feels horrible about her actions. She tells Mr. Kapasi "I feel terrible looking at my children, and at Raj, always terrible. I have terrible urges, Mr. Kapasi to throw things away" (Lahiri). We see a change in the character now. She seems vulnerable and unstable, needing a friend to talk to. Before she appeared unwelcoming and stand-offish, but now she seems broken and needy. Her change in the novel evokes pathos to the reader and allows her character to become more open to the reader.
This is intriguing because it seems to be the exact opposite change in character of the narrator of "Everyday Uses"....
This is intriguing because it seems to be the exact opposite change in character of the narrator of "Everyday Uses"....
Revealing Diction
In Hazel Tells LaVerne, Howd Machan's use of diction is rather revealing. The jargon and "slang talk" used such as "so I goes ta flushm down" (Machan) initially reveals personality and other aspects of the character, whom I am guessing is Hazel. This use of laid back language shows that Hazel is uneducated and seemingly carefree as well. The two women are most likely close friends because Hazel makes little effort to speak in a sophisticated manner whatsoever. The lack of any punctuation or capitalization in the poem supports this further. Additionally, Hazel's use of language creates humor within the work. Reading this poem brings to mind two women conversing over enthusiastically and most likely over-exaggerating a story. Also, simply the poor use of grammar is humorous to me. A poem written in slang as such allows the reader to feel as if the storyteller is speaking directly to him. Therefore, after studying this work, I truly felt as if I had connected with Hazel's character, and found myself identifying with her emotions. This was all a result of Machan's choice of language.
A Metamorphosis of Character
In Everyday Use, author Alice Walker creates a narrator who undergoes a dramatic change of character in a relatively short period of time. The teller of the story, mother of Maggie and Dee, initially comes off as a woman who has had to work for the little she has in life. She dreams of a life where she is prettier, more wealthy, and sought after by attractive men. However, she returns to reality stating, "In real life I am a large, big-boned woman with rough, man-working hands" (Walker). Furthermore, the narrator recounts her rough times when she refers to the fact that she does not have an education passed the second grade and that her own daughter has to read to her. For me, these excerpts are Walker's attempt to characterize the narrator as an insecure and sad woman who has always "rolled with the punches." Moreover, when the narrator describes her encounters with white men saying, "It seems to me I have talked to them always with one foot raised in flight, with my head turned in whichever way is farthest from them" (Walker), Walker was implying that she was a character who avoided conflict at all costs and may even be somewhat of a pushover.
Nonetheless, at the end of the story, the narrator undergoes a change in character. When Dee asks for the old quilts, it seems at first that, though resistant, her mother will concede. However, upon seeing the sadness and defeat in Maggie's face, the mother quickly changes her mind and absolutely refuses to give Dee the quilts. "When I looked at her like that something hit me in the top of my head and ran down to the soles of my feet" (Walker). This stark description of a change in the narrators mood is Walker's attempt at showing a permanent metamorphosis of character.
Nonetheless, at the end of the story, the narrator undergoes a change in character. When Dee asks for the old quilts, it seems at first that, though resistant, her mother will concede. However, upon seeing the sadness and defeat in Maggie's face, the mother quickly changes her mind and absolutely refuses to give Dee the quilts. "When I looked at her like that something hit me in the top of my head and ran down to the soles of my feet" (Walker). This stark description of a change in the narrators mood is Walker's attempt at showing a permanent metamorphosis of character.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Interpreting Poetry Like a Champ
I really enjoyed Perrine's article on how to properly interpret poetry. I have often asked myself wether or not poets write poems with specific inspiration and interpretation in mind, or if they write with purposeful ambiguity to allow the reader to use his imagination. Perrine does state, "He (the poet) cannot say, 'What I really meant was...' without admitting failure, or without saying something different (and usually much less) than what his poem said" (Perrine). This line of the article supports my latter thought. However, reading on, I am intrigued and enlightened by Perrine's "criteria" for proper interpretation. Though I have never interpreted a poem in this manner, these rules seem fail-proof. Using these criteria, a reader is forced to think deeply about a poem's meaning for the guidelines rule out half-thought interpretations that one may have gotten away with before reading this article. Despite the deeper thinking that is required, Perrine's criteria actually make discerning the true meaning of a poem easier, for a reader can be confident in his analysis.
I am anxious to use Perrine's advice this year in AP Lit. Poetry and the interpretation of have never been a strong point of mine; however, in learning to account for all details as well as to avoid assumptions, I am presented with a challenge that will ultimately lead to success in my discernment of meaning as well as improvement in my analysis skills. Moreover, I am anxious to see how our AP Lit class as a whole works with Perrine's criteria. If we are able to follow the guidelines for the most part, then we will produce universal interpretations. That would be neat! However, would it eliminate our in-class discussions over the meanings of certain works? I hope not-I quite enjoy those!
I am anxious to use Perrine's advice this year in AP Lit. Poetry and the interpretation of have never been a strong point of mine; however, in learning to account for all details as well as to avoid assumptions, I am presented with a challenge that will ultimately lead to success in my discernment of meaning as well as improvement in my analysis skills. Moreover, I am anxious to see how our AP Lit class as a whole works with Perrine's criteria. If we are able to follow the guidelines for the most part, then we will produce universal interpretations. That would be neat! However, would it eliminate our in-class discussions over the meanings of certain works? I hope not-I quite enjoy those!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
AP Lit Picture Contest (for real this time) :)
Just reading some classic American literature on the anchor of the USS Chicago at the end of Navy Pier! BEAT THAT.
Is Gatsby Really Great?
The Great Gatsby
Final Reflection
"Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction-Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have unaffected scorn" (Fitzgerald, 2).
After finishing F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, I thought once more of this sentence and the title of the book in general. I find myself wondering whether or not Gatsby was really "great." I understand that he was a central character and all, but so were Daisy; Myrtle; and Tom. Why is the book not named after one of them. Marvelous Myrtle has a nice ring to it, don't you agree? What did Gatsby do that was so fantastic that he was worthy of having the entire novel named after him? In my opinion, Gatsby was almost the opposite of "great." He was a loner, a nervous wreck around women, a wife snatcher, partially dishonest, and an accomplice in murder. Yet, the book named after him has gone down in history as one of the greatest pieces of American Literature of all time? I believe Fitzgerald is being ironic with his title choice. Honestly, that is my only guess. I find the matter to be rather intriguing and am curious to hear others' thoughts.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby. The story was both calmly inticing and "to the point", which I appreciated. Also, call me sadistic, but the two murders were quite exhilirating. I love when things get heated to the point of death-in fictional novels of course! Reading these two novels this summer makes me excited for American Lit. I can definitely say that I trust Mr. Costello's taste in literature now. Bring it on!
Final Reflection
"Only Gatsby, the man who gives his name to this book, was exempt from my reaction-Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have unaffected scorn" (Fitzgerald, 2).
After finishing F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, I thought once more of this sentence and the title of the book in general. I find myself wondering whether or not Gatsby was really "great." I understand that he was a central character and all, but so were Daisy; Myrtle; and Tom. Why is the book not named after one of them. Marvelous Myrtle has a nice ring to it, don't you agree? What did Gatsby do that was so fantastic that he was worthy of having the entire novel named after him? In my opinion, Gatsby was almost the opposite of "great." He was a loner, a nervous wreck around women, a wife snatcher, partially dishonest, and an accomplice in murder. Yet, the book named after him has gone down in history as one of the greatest pieces of American Literature of all time? I believe Fitzgerald is being ironic with his title choice. Honestly, that is my only guess. I find the matter to be rather intriguing and am curious to hear others' thoughts.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading The Great Gatsby. The story was both calmly inticing and "to the point", which I appreciated. Also, call me sadistic, but the two murders were quite exhilirating. I love when things get heated to the point of death-in fictional novels of course! Reading these two novels this summer makes me excited for American Lit. I can definitely say that I trust Mr. Costello's taste in literature now. Bring it on!
A Death Unknowingly Self-Inflicted
The Great Gatsby
p. 157-180
I was actually surprised by the ending of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gastby. I did not expect Wilson to actually kill Gatsby, and the fact that Tom directed Wilson to Gatsby's house makes me hate him even more. What a jerk!
Anyway, reading these last chapters, I realized that Gatsby's death was ultimately a result of a chain of events that he predominantly had control of; therefore, could one say his death was self-inflicted? Probably not, but I thought it was an interesting thought. So this is what I am saying: if Gatsby had never met Daisy way back in the day, he would not have died this tragic, young death. His love for Daisy was his cause for moving to Long Island and the reason he reconnected with her. If he had not reconnected with her, they would not have taken the trip to New York City, she would not have been driving his car, she would not have killed Myrtle, and Wilson would not have gone on the bloody vengeful rampage that took his life. Way to go Daisy.
Another piece of the story I found interesting was the concept of Gatsby's "dream." Those who did not know Gatsby on a personal level (sooo mostly everyone...even his dad) thought Gatsby's "dream" was to be successful in business and to make a substantial amount of money (and to throw extravagant parties, of course). However, Nick knew better. "He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it" (Fitzgerald, 180). Reading this sentence out of context, one may think it was referring to Gatsby's hardwork that brought all of his success. However, this sentence is truly referring to his journey and hardwork to reunite with Daisy. Daisy was Gatsby's dream-he simply aquired it by the means of rising to prestige in society, owning a large house in close proximity to hers, and eventually finding a way for their paths to cross once more.
p. 157-180
I was actually surprised by the ending of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gastby. I did not expect Wilson to actually kill Gatsby, and the fact that Tom directed Wilson to Gatsby's house makes me hate him even more. What a jerk!
Anyway, reading these last chapters, I realized that Gatsby's death was ultimately a result of a chain of events that he predominantly had control of; therefore, could one say his death was self-inflicted? Probably not, but I thought it was an interesting thought. So this is what I am saying: if Gatsby had never met Daisy way back in the day, he would not have died this tragic, young death. His love for Daisy was his cause for moving to Long Island and the reason he reconnected with her. If he had not reconnected with her, they would not have taken the trip to New York City, she would not have been driving his car, she would not have killed Myrtle, and Wilson would not have gone on the bloody vengeful rampage that took his life. Way to go Daisy.
Another piece of the story I found interesting was the concept of Gatsby's "dream." Those who did not know Gatsby on a personal level (sooo mostly everyone...even his dad) thought Gatsby's "dream" was to be successful in business and to make a substantial amount of money (and to throw extravagant parties, of course). However, Nick knew better. "He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it" (Fitzgerald, 180). Reading this sentence out of context, one may think it was referring to Gatsby's hardwork that brought all of his success. However, this sentence is truly referring to his journey and hardwork to reunite with Daisy. Daisy was Gatsby's dream-he simply aquired it by the means of rising to prestige in society, owning a large house in close proximity to hers, and eventually finding a way for their paths to cross once more.
Flashbacks: Both Useful and Confusing
The Great Gatsby
p. 145-156
I find F. Scott Fitzgerald's use of flashbacks both useful and confusing; I guess you already knew that by reading the title of this blog, but there is a requirement of ten sentences on these things isn't there? Anyway, so at times Nick will be narrarating, and he will narrarate straight into a flashback, and before I know it, I have traveled back in time. Sometimes these flashbacks are told directly by another character, but mostly they are communicated through Nick relaying what he has been told. Thus, with the absence of quotation marks to indicate a small anecdote about another character, I often confuse Nick's narrarating of the present happenings with his telling of the past. For instance, on page one hundred fifty, there are two different breaks in the page, yet the entire page and the few surrounding it are Gatsby's flashbacks. After one break, the story picks up again with "He did extraordinarily well in the war. He was a captain before he went to the front, and follwoing the Argonne battles...." (Fitzgerald, 150). The paragraphs above this section discussed Gatsby's love for Daisy, therefore my confusion with this new information was a result of my failure to see the point in knowing it. Flashbacks have been sporadic throughout this novel, forcing me to be alert and contemplative. As I continue to read The Great Gatsby, the flashbacks have all proven useful; however, after my initial reading of most of them, I am usually confused.
p. 145-156
I find F. Scott Fitzgerald's use of flashbacks both useful and confusing; I guess you already knew that by reading the title of this blog, but there is a requirement of ten sentences on these things isn't there? Anyway, so at times Nick will be narrarating, and he will narrarate straight into a flashback, and before I know it, I have traveled back in time. Sometimes these flashbacks are told directly by another character, but mostly they are communicated through Nick relaying what he has been told. Thus, with the absence of quotation marks to indicate a small anecdote about another character, I often confuse Nick's narrarating of the present happenings with his telling of the past. For instance, on page one hundred fifty, there are two different breaks in the page, yet the entire page and the few surrounding it are Gatsby's flashbacks. After one break, the story picks up again with "He did extraordinarily well in the war. He was a captain before he went to the front, and follwoing the Argonne battles...." (Fitzgerald, 150). The paragraphs above this section discussed Gatsby's love for Daisy, therefore my confusion with this new information was a result of my failure to see the point in knowing it. Flashbacks have been sporadic throughout this novel, forcing me to be alert and contemplative. As I continue to read The Great Gatsby, the flashbacks have all proven useful; however, after my initial reading of most of them, I am usually confused.
Just a Couple of Cowards
The Great Gatsby
p. 133-144
I am about to make a connection here pretaining to The Great Gatsby that may or may not be far-fetched: you have been warned. So, when Myrtle was desperately running out of the gas station, she yelled to her husband, "'Beat me! Throw me down and beat me, you dirty little coward!'" (Fitzgerald, 137). So, let us fast forward to after Myrtle has been struck and killed by the yellow car and Tom has arrived at the station. He says to Nick, "'The God damned coward! He didn't even stop his car'" (Fitzgerald, 141). These uses of the word 'coward' were only five pages apart-I see this as no coincidence. I believe F. Scott Fitzgerald is trying to make some type of connection here, so I am going to make a guess at what it is. Myrtle's storming out and her exclamation were both a rejection of her spouse. Tom's passionate feeling of anger toward the driver who killed Myrtle along with the detectable tinge of sadness in his diaologue is, also, and indirect rejection of his spouse; he is choosing to pour his feelings into grieving the loss of his mistress rather than loving Daisy. At this point, he is aware that his own wife is in love with another man, yet he is completely consumed with the death of this other woman. Maybe, Fitzgerald is trying to parallel the two rejections? Just a thought.
p. 133-144
I am about to make a connection here pretaining to The Great Gatsby that may or may not be far-fetched: you have been warned. So, when Myrtle was desperately running out of the gas station, she yelled to her husband, "'Beat me! Throw me down and beat me, you dirty little coward!'" (Fitzgerald, 137). So, let us fast forward to after Myrtle has been struck and killed by the yellow car and Tom has arrived at the station. He says to Nick, "'The God damned coward! He didn't even stop his car'" (Fitzgerald, 141). These uses of the word 'coward' were only five pages apart-I see this as no coincidence. I believe F. Scott Fitzgerald is trying to make some type of connection here, so I am going to make a guess at what it is. Myrtle's storming out and her exclamation were both a rejection of her spouse. Tom's passionate feeling of anger toward the driver who killed Myrtle along with the detectable tinge of sadness in his diaologue is, also, and indirect rejection of his spouse; he is choosing to pour his feelings into grieving the loss of his mistress rather than loving Daisy. At this point, he is aware that his own wife is in love with another man, yet he is completely consumed with the death of this other woman. Maybe, Fitzgerald is trying to parallel the two rejections? Just a thought.
Gatsby Remains a Mystery
The Great Gastby
p. 120-132 (and a little bit after)
Though I have made significant process in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Mr. Jay Gatsby himself remains a mystery to the reader, mostly because he is clearly still a mystery to Nick. Nick, though he has gotten to know Gatsby, is still unsure of both his past and what to think of him in general. For example, Nick says, "I had one of those renewals of complete faith in him that I'd experienced before" (Fitzgerald, 129). At this point, you would think two close friends would no longer need "renewals of faith" in eachother; they should know eachother better than that. However, Nick still seems unsure. This uncertainty is portrayed again a few pages later when Nick says, "He looked...as if he had 'killed a man'" and "he begain to talk excitedly to Daisy, denying everything, defending his name against accusations that had not been made" (Fitzgerald, 134). With the first quote, Nick is re-analyzing a prior accusation of Gatsby that he thought he had expelled. In the second, Nick almost describes Gatsby of over-explaining himself. These passages, for me, seem to paint a picture of uncertainty, once again, in regards to the real Gatsby. Will we ever know him?
p. 120-132 (and a little bit after)
Though I have made significant process in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Mr. Jay Gatsby himself remains a mystery to the reader, mostly because he is clearly still a mystery to Nick. Nick, though he has gotten to know Gatsby, is still unsure of both his past and what to think of him in general. For example, Nick says, "I had one of those renewals of complete faith in him that I'd experienced before" (Fitzgerald, 129). At this point, you would think two close friends would no longer need "renewals of faith" in eachother; they should know eachother better than that. However, Nick still seems unsure. This uncertainty is portrayed again a few pages later when Nick says, "He looked...as if he had 'killed a man'" and "he begain to talk excitedly to Daisy, denying everything, defending his name against accusations that had not been made" (Fitzgerald, 134). With the first quote, Nick is re-analyzing a prior accusation of Gatsby that he thought he had expelled. In the second, Nick almost describes Gatsby of over-explaining himself. These passages, for me, seem to paint a picture of uncertainty, once again, in regards to the real Gatsby. Will we ever know him?
Yet Another Titanic Comparison
The Great Gatsby
I'm not sure which pages....
The story of the Titanic seems to be one of universal relation! Just as Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth sparked a memory of the movie, so has F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Certain characters in this book even directly remind me of specific characters in the Titanic. For example, let us examine the following excerpt:
"'You don't understand,' said Gatsby, with a touch of panic. 'You're not going to take care of her anymore.'
'I'm not?' Tom opened his eyes wide and laughed. He could afford to control himself now. 'Why's that?'
'Daisy's leaving you.'
'Nonsense.'
'I am, though,' she said with visible effort.
'She's not leaving me!' Tom's words suddenly leaned down over Gatsby. 'Certainly not for a common swinlder who'd have to steal the ring he put on her finger'" (Fitzgerald, 133).
Here, picture Tom as Cal, Gatsby as Jack (ironic because DeCaprio played Jack and is he not also playing Gatsby in the new movie?), and Daisy as Rose. Just as Tom see's Gatsby as a "swindler", so does Cal see Jack as a poor and trashy cheepskate. Just as Gatsby and Daisy have a secret love, so do Jack and Rose. Also, the mention of having to "steal the wring he put on her finger" instantly reminded me of one of the final scenes in Titanic before the ship began to sink when Jack was accused by Cal of stealing the Heart of the Ocean Diamond. I believe this comparison is well-founded and I was excited when I made the connection. I don't, however, believe that by making this connection I will be able to better predict the outcome of Gatsby, for there are no ships to sink in this story-only hearts to break. This is getting interesting, so I'm going to read on.
I'm not sure which pages....
The story of the Titanic seems to be one of universal relation! Just as Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth sparked a memory of the movie, so has F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Certain characters in this book even directly remind me of specific characters in the Titanic. For example, let us examine the following excerpt:
"'You don't understand,' said Gatsby, with a touch of panic. 'You're not going to take care of her anymore.'
'I'm not?' Tom opened his eyes wide and laughed. He could afford to control himself now. 'Why's that?'
'Daisy's leaving you.'
'Nonsense.'
'I am, though,' she said with visible effort.
'She's not leaving me!' Tom's words suddenly leaned down over Gatsby. 'Certainly not for a common swinlder who'd have to steal the ring he put on her finger'" (Fitzgerald, 133).
Here, picture Tom as Cal, Gatsby as Jack (ironic because DeCaprio played Jack and is he not also playing Gatsby in the new movie?), and Daisy as Rose. Just as Tom see's Gatsby as a "swindler", so does Cal see Jack as a poor and trashy cheepskate. Just as Gatsby and Daisy have a secret love, so do Jack and Rose. Also, the mention of having to "steal the wring he put on her finger" instantly reminded me of one of the final scenes in Titanic before the ship began to sink when Jack was accused by Cal of stealing the Heart of the Ocean Diamond. I believe this comparison is well-founded and I was excited when I made the connection. I don't, however, believe that by making this connection I will be able to better predict the outcome of Gatsby, for there are no ships to sink in this story-only hearts to break. This is getting interesting, so I'm going to read on.
But I think "James Gatz" is a splendid name
The Great Gatsby
p. 97-108
In this next section, the reader learns of Gatsby's choice to change his name. The story behind the change begins, however, with the day on which he changed it from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby. "It was James Gatz who had been loafing along the beach that afternoon...but it was already Jay Gatsby who borrowed a rowboat...." (Fitzgerald, 98). Therefore, the reader has a hard time discerning the reasoning behind the name change. Did James Gatz have a rough childhood that he wished not to identify himself with? We do not know because F. Scott Fitzgerald does not give enough information about Gatz' childhood to be able to draw such a conclusion; however, from what was given, I have not picked up on any bad vibes. Nonetheless, the book does say that Gatsby changed his name "at the age of seventeen and at the specific moment that witnessed the beginning of his career" (Fitzgerald, 98). Therefore, the name change was indeed a significant milestone in Gatsby's life that may or may not have played a role in his success as an adult. I guess I will have to continue my reading of The Great Gatsby to look for more clues and make a decision myself!
p. 97-108
In this next section, the reader learns of Gatsby's choice to change his name. The story behind the change begins, however, with the day on which he changed it from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby. "It was James Gatz who had been loafing along the beach that afternoon...but it was already Jay Gatsby who borrowed a rowboat...." (Fitzgerald, 98). Therefore, the reader has a hard time discerning the reasoning behind the name change. Did James Gatz have a rough childhood that he wished not to identify himself with? We do not know because F. Scott Fitzgerald does not give enough information about Gatz' childhood to be able to draw such a conclusion; however, from what was given, I have not picked up on any bad vibes. Nonetheless, the book does say that Gatsby changed his name "at the age of seventeen and at the specific moment that witnessed the beginning of his career" (Fitzgerald, 98). Therefore, the name change was indeed a significant milestone in Gatsby's life that may or may not have played a role in his success as an adult. I guess I will have to continue my reading of The Great Gatsby to look for more clues and make a decision myself!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
A New Boyish Side of Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
p. 85-96
In these next few pages of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Mr. Gatsby's love for Daisy is clear not only in his words, but his actions as well. He adopts a vulnerability in her presence. This is evident by the boyish nature that comes out when it comes time for Daisy to arrive for tea. When she pulls up, he runs out of the house in fear and embarassment and then turns around and knocks back on the door. "Gatsby, pale as death, with his hands plunged like weights in his coat pockets, was standing in a puddle of water glaring tragically into my eyes" (Fitzgerald, 86). This paints a picture of absolute fear! He is so in love with Daisy that his nerves take an extreme physical toll on him! Until now, Gatsby has been portrayed as a calm, collected, and sophisticated man. This chapter introduces to the reader a new side of him. For me, this side of Gatsby almost makes me uncomfortable and annoyed.
I noticed another sign of Gatsby's true love for Daisy when the two went over to his home. Earlier in the story, Gatsby spent time at his own parties on the phone negotiating business-he never thought twice about it. However, when the phone rang while he was with Daisy, he tells the caller "'Well, I can't talk now....I can't talk now, old sport....'" (Fitzgerald, 93). Gatsby cherishes his time with Daisy so much that he would ignore a business call for her! My oh my, the man is in love.
p. 85-96
In these next few pages of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Mr. Gatsby's love for Daisy is clear not only in his words, but his actions as well. He adopts a vulnerability in her presence. This is evident by the boyish nature that comes out when it comes time for Daisy to arrive for tea. When she pulls up, he runs out of the house in fear and embarassment and then turns around and knocks back on the door. "Gatsby, pale as death, with his hands plunged like weights in his coat pockets, was standing in a puddle of water glaring tragically into my eyes" (Fitzgerald, 86). This paints a picture of absolute fear! He is so in love with Daisy that his nerves take an extreme physical toll on him! Until now, Gatsby has been portrayed as a calm, collected, and sophisticated man. This chapter introduces to the reader a new side of him. For me, this side of Gatsby almost makes me uncomfortable and annoyed.
I noticed another sign of Gatsby's true love for Daisy when the two went over to his home. Earlier in the story, Gatsby spent time at his own parties on the phone negotiating business-he never thought twice about it. However, when the phone rang while he was with Daisy, he tells the caller "'Well, I can't talk now....I can't talk now, old sport....'" (Fitzgerald, 93). Gatsby cherishes his time with Daisy so much that he would ignore a business call for her! My oh my, the man is in love.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
A Past Foreshadowed
The Great Gatsby
p. 73-84
So, in this next section of F. Scott Fiztgerald's The Great Gatsby, one learns that Gatsby and Daisy used to be lovers. I should have figured there would be some type of connection because the story centers around Nick and his friends, and there was no way Fitzgerald could write a story about Nick and have the other main characters not be connected in some way. Up to this point, both Daisy and Tom and Gatsby were equally important, so it only makes sense that they would be connected. So, as always, after learning about this relationship, I decided to flip back to reread the passage in Chapter One in which Gatsby was mentioned in Daisy's presence; the knowledge of this relationship was clearly foreshadowed: "'You must know Gatsby.' 'Gatsby?' demanded Daisy. 'What Gatsby?'" (Fitzgerald, 11). Daisy was obviously caught off guard at the mention of Gatsby's name. However, when I read this earlier, I did not pick up on Fitzgerald's foreshadowing diction. This is a reason why I find it very interesting to flip back periodically while reading a novel. I believe that by describing Daisy's response as a "demand", Fitzgerald shows that Gatsby played a significant role in Daisy's past. Her inquiry was not simply one of innocent curiosity. I get the feeling that Gatsby was someone of great significance in her life and may be someone that she thinks about a lot. It will be intersting to continue to learn about the couple's history.
p. 73-84
So, in this next section of F. Scott Fiztgerald's The Great Gatsby, one learns that Gatsby and Daisy used to be lovers. I should have figured there would be some type of connection because the story centers around Nick and his friends, and there was no way Fitzgerald could write a story about Nick and have the other main characters not be connected in some way. Up to this point, both Daisy and Tom and Gatsby were equally important, so it only makes sense that they would be connected. So, as always, after learning about this relationship, I decided to flip back to reread the passage in Chapter One in which Gatsby was mentioned in Daisy's presence; the knowledge of this relationship was clearly foreshadowed: "'You must know Gatsby.' 'Gatsby?' demanded Daisy. 'What Gatsby?'" (Fitzgerald, 11). Daisy was obviously caught off guard at the mention of Gatsby's name. However, when I read this earlier, I did not pick up on Fitzgerald's foreshadowing diction. This is a reason why I find it very interesting to flip back periodically while reading a novel. I believe that by describing Daisy's response as a "demand", Fitzgerald shows that Gatsby played a significant role in Daisy's past. Her inquiry was not simply one of innocent curiosity. I get the feeling that Gatsby was someone of great significance in her life and may be someone that she thinks about a lot. It will be intersting to continue to learn about the couple's history.
A Gatsby Curse?
The Great Gatsby
p. 60-72
At the beginning of Chapter IV, Nick gives a detailed list of all the visitors to the Gatsby mansion during the summer. At first this list seemed long and irrelevant to me; however, as I read on, I noticed a possible trend among the fates of the guests. For example Doctor Webster Cove "was drowned last summer up in Maine" (Fitzgerald, 61-62), Edgar Beaver's hair "turned cotton-white one winter afternoon for no good reason at all" (Fitzgerald, 62), "Snell was there three days before he went to the penitentiary, so drunk out on the gravel drive that Mrs. Ulysses Swett's automobile ran over his right hand" (Fitzgerald, 62), "Muldoon who afterward strangeled his wife" (Fitzgerald, 62), "and the young Quinns, divorced now" (Fitzgerald, 63), and Henry L. Palmetto "killed himself by jumping in front of a subway train in Times Square" (Fitzgerald, 63). All of these were guests had extremely unfortunate experiences since attending a Gatsby party. This mentioning of the guests and their lives since that summer can not be simply irrelevant; I believe F. Scott Fitzgerald included this list as either a foreshadowing tactic or to increase the mystery around Gatsby's character. Another question I encountered was whether unlucky/strange guests were all coincidentally attending Gatsby parties, or if this luck was somehow a curse of those who attend the parties? As farfetched as this thought may be, I find it intriguing! I hope these guests are all cursed (sorrynotsorry). A curse would indeed make The Great Gatsby a suspenseful and worthwhile read =)
p. 60-72
At the beginning of Chapter IV, Nick gives a detailed list of all the visitors to the Gatsby mansion during the summer. At first this list seemed long and irrelevant to me; however, as I read on, I noticed a possible trend among the fates of the guests. For example Doctor Webster Cove "was drowned last summer up in Maine" (Fitzgerald, 61-62), Edgar Beaver's hair "turned cotton-white one winter afternoon for no good reason at all" (Fitzgerald, 62), "Snell was there three days before he went to the penitentiary, so drunk out on the gravel drive that Mrs. Ulysses Swett's automobile ran over his right hand" (Fitzgerald, 62), "Muldoon who afterward strangeled his wife" (Fitzgerald, 62), "and the young Quinns, divorced now" (Fitzgerald, 63), and Henry L. Palmetto "killed himself by jumping in front of a subway train in Times Square" (Fitzgerald, 63). All of these were guests had extremely unfortunate experiences since attending a Gatsby party. This mentioning of the guests and their lives since that summer can not be simply irrelevant; I believe F. Scott Fitzgerald included this list as either a foreshadowing tactic or to increase the mystery around Gatsby's character. Another question I encountered was whether unlucky/strange guests were all coincidentally attending Gatsby parties, or if this luck was somehow a curse of those who attend the parties? As farfetched as this thought may be, I find it intriguing! I hope these guests are all cursed (sorrynotsorry). A curse would indeed make The Great Gatsby a suspenseful and worthwhile read =)
Nick Loves Who?
The Great Gatsby
p.49-60
I am pretty confused by Nick's relationship status. Early in the book, there was mention of a rumor about Nick being engaged back West. He neither confirmed nor denied the rumor, and on page fifty eight it was mentioned again: "...and I knew that first I had to get myself definitely out of that tangle back home. I'd been writing letters once a week and signing them: 'Love, Nick,' and all I could think of was how, when that certain girl played tennis, a faint mustache of perspiration appeared on her upper lip" (Fitzgerald, 58). This is a direct confirmation by Nick of the fact that he indeed has a lover back home. However, Nick is clearly starting to develop feelings for Miss Jordan Baker. The two seem very compatible. However, it is too early to confirm the status of their relationship. Will this relationship back home stop him developing one with Miss Baker? From the above diologue, the chances of the engagement back home conintuing seem slim, especially if he is letting the superficial matter of unappealing perspiration turn him away from this girl. I hope that if Nick can get himself to break off his relationship with mystery girl, that him and Jordan will form a very happy couple. Oh, the many love tales of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
p.49-60
I am pretty confused by Nick's relationship status. Early in the book, there was mention of a rumor about Nick being engaged back West. He neither confirmed nor denied the rumor, and on page fifty eight it was mentioned again: "...and I knew that first I had to get myself definitely out of that tangle back home. I'd been writing letters once a week and signing them: 'Love, Nick,' and all I could think of was how, when that certain girl played tennis, a faint mustache of perspiration appeared on her upper lip" (Fitzgerald, 58). This is a direct confirmation by Nick of the fact that he indeed has a lover back home. However, Nick is clearly starting to develop feelings for Miss Jordan Baker. The two seem very compatible. However, it is too early to confirm the status of their relationship. Will this relationship back home stop him developing one with Miss Baker? From the above diologue, the chances of the engagement back home conintuing seem slim, especially if he is letting the superficial matter of unappealing perspiration turn him away from this girl. I hope that if Nick can get himself to break off his relationship with mystery girl, that him and Jordan will form a very happy couple. Oh, the many love tales of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
Wizard vs. Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
p. 37-48
As I continue to read, Fitzgerald is slowly introducing the reader to Mr. Gatsby. However, for the majority of the first two chapters and a portion of the third, Gatsby remains a complete mystery. Many people know of him and frequent his parites; however, very few know him personally. Moreover, hardly any know the true story of his passed. Some believe he was educated in Oxford, others heard he is a veteran of the Great War, while still others believe he is a bootlegger and murderer. Even the guests at his own house party seem to simply be dumbstruck by him: "As soon as I arrived I made an attempt to find my host, but the two or three of whom I asked his whereabouts stared at me in such an amazed way, and denied so vehemently any knowledge of his movements...." (Fitzgerald, 42).
While reading, I could not help but notice that the mystery that surrounds Gatsby's character is similar to the relationship that the people of Oz have with the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Just as those who know of Gatsby are in awe of him, so are the people of Oz both fearful and wonderstruck by the Wizard. They know little about him but (...."those who accepted Gatsby's hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him" (Ftizgerald, 61)), nonetheless, crave his presence and wisdom. Similarily, everyone around Long Island wants to attend a party at the Gatsby mansion. Both he and the Wiz seem to be central figures in society, but neither are frequently seen around; they remain a mystery to the people in whose lives they play a significant role. I am anxious to see if this comparison continues to hold through as the tale of F. Scott Fiztgerald's The Great Gatsby unfolds.
p. 37-48
As I continue to read, Fitzgerald is slowly introducing the reader to Mr. Gatsby. However, for the majority of the first two chapters and a portion of the third, Gatsby remains a complete mystery. Many people know of him and frequent his parites; however, very few know him personally. Moreover, hardly any know the true story of his passed. Some believe he was educated in Oxford, others heard he is a veteran of the Great War, while still others believe he is a bootlegger and murderer. Even the guests at his own house party seem to simply be dumbstruck by him: "As soon as I arrived I made an attempt to find my host, but the two or three of whom I asked his whereabouts stared at me in such an amazed way, and denied so vehemently any knowledge of his movements...." (Fitzgerald, 42).
While reading, I could not help but notice that the mystery that surrounds Gatsby's character is similar to the relationship that the people of Oz have with the Wizard in The Wizard of Oz. Just as those who know of Gatsby are in awe of him, so are the people of Oz both fearful and wonderstruck by the Wizard. They know little about him but (...."those who accepted Gatsby's hospitality and paid him the subtle tribute of knowing nothing whatever about him" (Ftizgerald, 61)), nonetheless, crave his presence and wisdom. Similarily, everyone around Long Island wants to attend a party at the Gatsby mansion. Both he and the Wiz seem to be central figures in society, but neither are frequently seen around; they remain a mystery to the people in whose lives they play a significant role. I am anxious to see if this comparison continues to hold through as the tale of F. Scott Fiztgerald's The Great Gatsby unfolds.
Short-Tempered Tom
The Great Gatsby
p. 25-36
In this section of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the reader becomes more aware of the real Tom Buchanan. Both subtly and directly, Fitzgerald reveals Tom's short temper and capricious nature. For example, upon stopping at the gas station and seeing his old friend, Fitzgerald describes Tom as slapping Wilson "jovially on the shoulder" (Fitzgerald, 25). However, within just five lines, Tom's seemingly easy-going mood changes to one of extreme annoyance simply because Wilson bothered him about a car Tom had promised to sell. "'No, he doesn't,' said Tom coldly. 'And if you feel that way about it, maybe I'd better sell it somwhere else after all'" (Fitzgerald, 25). What a quick change of mood! Frankly, Tom is annoying as ever. I wonder if his short temper will get him into trouble later on in the story; I can definitely see it as his downfall.
This analysis was further confirmed when Tom broke Myrtle's nose at the apartment: "Making short of a deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand" (Fitzgerald, 37). I do not know if hitting a woman was frowned upon in the early 1900s to the extent that it is today, but this scene still seems rather barbaric. He seems like complete tool, and Daisy can do so much better.
p. 25-36
In this section of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the reader becomes more aware of the real Tom Buchanan. Both subtly and directly, Fitzgerald reveals Tom's short temper and capricious nature. For example, upon stopping at the gas station and seeing his old friend, Fitzgerald describes Tom as slapping Wilson "jovially on the shoulder" (Fitzgerald, 25). However, within just five lines, Tom's seemingly easy-going mood changes to one of extreme annoyance simply because Wilson bothered him about a car Tom had promised to sell. "'No, he doesn't,' said Tom coldly. 'And if you feel that way about it, maybe I'd better sell it somwhere else after all'" (Fitzgerald, 25). What a quick change of mood! Frankly, Tom is annoying as ever. I wonder if his short temper will get him into trouble later on in the story; I can definitely see it as his downfall.
This analysis was further confirmed when Tom broke Myrtle's nose at the apartment: "Making short of a deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand" (Fitzgerald, 37). I do not know if hitting a woman was frowned upon in the early 1900s to the extent that it is today, but this scene still seems rather barbaric. He seems like complete tool, and Daisy can do so much better.
The Depth of "Daisy"
The Great Gatsby
p. 13-24
Throughout these next pages of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gastby, I have noticed an intriguing relationship between the name "Daisy" and the character herself. When one thinks of the name "Daisy", a sunny and happy image fills the mind; for the first twelve pages or so, the character Daisy seemed to be just as charming. She portrayed a seemingly enthusiastic and bubbly personality. However, when Daisy catches a moment alone with her cousin, she confesses, "Well, I've had a very bad time, Nick, and I'm pretty cynical about everything" (Fitzgerald, 16). I found this very ironic and unexpected. Daisy is clearly a round character, and maybe Fitzgerald is trying to portray the fact that she may seem perfectly beautiful and content on the outside but is hiding a deeper complexity within, similar to a real flower. Moreover, more than once Fitzgerald has directly compared Daisy to a flower; for example, on page nineteen he describes her "opening up again in a flower-like way" (Fitzgerald, 19). I believe that Fitzgerald has intentionally made a connection between the character Daisy and her name; I am excited to look out for more clues as to his intentions.
p. 13-24
Throughout these next pages of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gastby, I have noticed an intriguing relationship between the name "Daisy" and the character herself. When one thinks of the name "Daisy", a sunny and happy image fills the mind; for the first twelve pages or so, the character Daisy seemed to be just as charming. She portrayed a seemingly enthusiastic and bubbly personality. However, when Daisy catches a moment alone with her cousin, she confesses, "Well, I've had a very bad time, Nick, and I'm pretty cynical about everything" (Fitzgerald, 16). I found this very ironic and unexpected. Daisy is clearly a round character, and maybe Fitzgerald is trying to portray the fact that she may seem perfectly beautiful and content on the outside but is hiding a deeper complexity within, similar to a real flower. Moreover, more than once Fitzgerald has directly compared Daisy to a flower; for example, on page nineteen he describes her "opening up again in a flower-like way" (Fitzgerald, 19). I believe that Fitzgerald has intentionally made a connection between the character Daisy and her name; I am excited to look out for more clues as to his intentions.
Who is the narrartor??
The Great Gatsby
p. 1-12
While reading this first twelve pages, the ambiguous writing style of F. Scott Fitzgerald was clear to me. He begins the story with a narrator that is in no rush to identify himself. For example, on page one, the line "...I was privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men" (Fitzgerald, 1) initially made me believe that the narrator was a female. However, reading on to page ten, Tom Buchanan addresses the narrator as "Nick", thus falsifying my assumption.
This ambiguity is continued with the description of Miss Baker. Fitzgerald hints at who she is, but the reader does not learn about her golf talents or relations to Daisy until the end of Chapter One and, I assume, farther into the book. This tactic of Fitzgerald's almost forces the reader to be patient, which I find very frustrating. I do not like to read about characters and their interactions without knowing background information; thus, when I finally do learn more about a character, I find myself flipping back in the book and rereading passages in hopes of further understanding the deeper meaning or further analysis of certain conversations, actions, etc. This should be an interesting read for me. Though I do not particularly prefer this type of style, I am eager to increase my reading experience with F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
p. 1-12
While reading this first twelve pages, the ambiguous writing style of F. Scott Fitzgerald was clear to me. He begins the story with a narrator that is in no rush to identify himself. For example, on page one, the line "...I was privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men" (Fitzgerald, 1) initially made me believe that the narrator was a female. However, reading on to page ten, Tom Buchanan addresses the narrator as "Nick", thus falsifying my assumption.
This ambiguity is continued with the description of Miss Baker. Fitzgerald hints at who she is, but the reader does not learn about her golf talents or relations to Daisy until the end of Chapter One and, I assume, farther into the book. This tactic of Fitzgerald's almost forces the reader to be patient, which I find very frustrating. I do not like to read about characters and their interactions without knowing background information; thus, when I finally do learn more about a character, I find myself flipping back in the book and rereading passages in hopes of further understanding the deeper meaning or further analysis of certain conversations, actions, etc. This should be an interesting read for me. Though I do not particularly prefer this type of style, I am eager to increase my reading experience with F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby.
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